10 things I found odd about the US

1. The lack of sincerity - Americans pride themselves on excellent customer service but it often comes across as a bit fake and insincere. Even just popping into a petrol station for a Diet Coke, the cashier might say "have a wonderful day" as you leave the counter. 2. Injury lawyers - Americans clearly enjoy …

Accidents may happen – Gaining a companion, having a day off… and a trip to intensive care

Day 8 - Wednesday 2nd August, 2017 - Brunswick, GA to Savannah, GA Strangely, my only company at breakfast on Day 8 were two inspectors from the Department of Health and Human Services poking around with temperature probes and clipboards. Hoping they weren't there following a complaint, I tucked into the buffet before getting ready …

Headwinds, heavy rain and broken spokes – Florida bites back

Once again it was offensively hot and humid as Day 3 got underway and, given that I was on the much quieter A1A which didn't have any intersections to negotiate, I made it my first helmet-less day. Having the breeze on the free head was truly delightful and I cruised along at a good pace. …

Meeting a pornographer, visiting a gun shop and sweating buckets – my first four days in America

I woke on Monday morning with a knot in my stomach - tremendously excited but apprehensive as I was unsure exactly what it is I was getting myself in to. The first stumbling block of the trip came as early as the check-in desk at Gatwick where it quickly became apparent I hadn't done my …

PROLOGUE

When news came in a month or two ago that I’d been given the green light for a PhD next year, it soon dawned on me that this summer would be my last mammoth-sized one for a little while before the harsh reality of the working world sets in – albeit only for a few …